Leroy ready for central role

Leroy Fer is targeting a return to Swansea City’s starting side after working hard on his fitness during the international break.

Fer has not started a game since the trip to Millwall on September 1 as a result of a groin injury he picked up at The Den.

The Swans have had to be cautious with the influential midfielder, who had only recently returned from a long-term Achilles problem when he was forced off at Millwall.

Fer has appeared as a substitute in the Swans’ last three matches.

But the man who was made club skipper by Graham Potter is now eyeing a central role as the Swans get set for a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

“I am feeling good and I am feeling ready to start – hopefully that might happen this weekend,” Fer said.

“I recovered well from the Achilles injury and got back quickly, but then I think other parts of my body had to catch up a little bit.

“I think that’s why the groin injury came and I was out for a couple of weeks.

“But I have been doing work in the last couple of weeks to get back to full fitness. I have had a few substitute appearances, but I hope now I can start.”

Fer has featured in eight of the Swans’ 13 games so far this season, although he has managed just two starts so far.

When he has been involved, the 28-year-old has proved what a dominant midfield force he can be for Potter.

And Fer believes that after the struggles of last season, the Swans are on the up under the former Ostersund boss.

“I think we have progressed as a team,” he added.

“We are playing good football – that’s what the gaffer wants.

“We have been strong defensively and we look like a strong team. Everyone is working for each other.

“We have a lot of young, hungry players who want to learn.

“We want to keep the ball and build from the back to create chances. I think that’s the Swansea Way and that’s the way we are trying to play.”

The Swans’ passing game has looked in rude health in recent weeks, with Potter’s side controlling games with the ball as well as carving opportunities.

They scored arguably the best goal yet under the new boss against Ipswich last time out, with Bersant Celina finishing off a move which began with Fer feeding Kristoffer Nordfedlt in his own six-yard box.

“That was a bit risky but we know we can play football,” Fer added through a smile.

“Even in our own box we can play and build. I think that goal showed how we want to do things.

“Sometimes you have to take some risks – although you want them to be low risks.”